Sorcery-related violence is still a problem in Papua New Guinea Photo: 123RF
Papua New Guinea - sorcery
Peace workers and Enga Police have saved a mother, accused of sorcery, from her would-be killers.
Last month, the mother was rescued from her ordeal in Warael village in Kompiam-Ambum district, along with a four-month-old baby whom she was accused of using sorcery to kill.
It turned out the baby fell unconscious from severe pneumonia and the mother was blamed for nothing.
The Post-Courier reported that both are safe and receiving treatment in hospital.
This is the second woman saved this year by Caritas Enga.
Meanwhile, the Papua New Guinea government said its increasing support for the Independent Commission Against Corruption.
Prime Minister James Marape said there will also be new legislation to further strengthen the commission's authority, ensuring that it can operate independently and without political interference.
Tonga - dengue
Tonga's Health Ministry said this week there are 65 active dengue cases as the country experiences an outbreak.
Local media reported precautions are in place around hot spots and high risk areas.
More than 100 mosquito nets have been handed out and health advice is also being given to affected families, communities and schools.
The majority of the confirmed cases are from Tongatapu (28), and the rest from Vava'u (25) and 'Eua (12).
There have been no reports of any dengue-related deaths so far.
Nauru - deportation
Australia's government has given a reprieve to a man set to be deported to Nauru.
Legal proceedings were filed to try and stop the deportation.
The deportation is the first attempt by Australia to deport a person using the new third country deportation powers.
The man is one of three non-Australian citizens detained indefinitely in Australia, being readied for deportation to a third country.
The Human Rights Law Centre (HRLC), which is representing the man, contended that he should remain in Australia while the visa review process continues.
The HRLC said the Albanese government has promised the court the man would not be removed from Australia while the case continues.
Tahiti/Cook Islands - flights
Air Tahiti Nui and Air Rarotonga have entered into a new code-sharing and connectivity agreement.
The deal will combine the airlines' respective destinations between Papeete, Rarotonga, the United States and France.
Air Tahiti Nui's chief executive Mathieu Bechonnet said connections between flights and check-in processes will also be made easier from Papeete's Tahiti-Faa'a and the Cook Islands' Rarotonga international airports.
Hawai'i - mining
Hawai'i Congressman Ed Case has reintroduced two bills which would put a hold on mining of the seabed in American waters and call for the same in international waters.
Hawaii News Now reported one of the areas most sought after for mining is the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, where very little is known about the marine ecosystem.
Case said seabed mining could take a number of destructive forms.
Aotearoa New Zealand - conference
Aotearoa New Zealand is hosting the UN's Adaptation Futures Conference for the first time.
The event aims to accelerate international climate adaptation, with a focus on issues for the Pacific and indigenous people.
Distinguished Professor Steven Ratuva, a co-convenor of the event, said Adaptation Futures 2025 will focus on climate hotspots and vulnerable communities around the world, including the Pacific Islands.
The conference will be held in Christchurch in October.
